MS4: Models and Simulations

MS4: Models and Simulations

MS4: Models and Simulations

7-9 May 2010, University of Toronto

Abstract submission deadline: 20 November 2009 Scientific models and computer simulations play numerous roles in the sciences, but as a class of tools for use in the articulation of theory, experiment, technological design and application, and prognostication for purposes of public policy, they have only relatively recently come under systematic scrutiny by the community of scholars in history and philosophy of science. The conference aims to raise and investigate important questions about the methodology of practices of modelling and computer simulation, providing a forum for ongoing debates and new angles of approach, on such topics as: how models and simulations are constructed; how they are confirmed; how they may be understood to represent and explain worldly phenomena; how they function in cutting-edge research; and how they influence decision making in the arena of public policy. A number of bursaries for graduate students presenting papers will be available to help defray the cost of travel and accommodation.

Submissions of proposals for individual papers and symposia are welcome in the form of an extended abstract. For information on submissions, registration, etc., please visit the conference website: http://www.hps.utoronto.ca/ms4/index.htm.